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Location notes

A funicular railway on Cairngorm mountain, mainly for skiers access, but also tourist traffic, from the car park to near the summit at the top station. Replaces the old chairlifts that have since been removed.

Depending on the time of year the railway runs at different speed. During the winter the railway is run at high speed with the emphasis on moving skiers to the slopes. Whereas in the summer the line runs at a low speed so that travellers can enjoy the fantastic views.Incidentally, the railway does not close until wind speeds of 85 mph occur, which is not often even at its height of 2000 to 3000 feet above sea level.The line operates using a cable pull system with a double flanged wheel on the outer edge and a roller wheel on the inner edge.For more information see The Gazetteer for Scotland pages.

Environment

Goes between half-way and (almost) all the way up a mountain, so weather is VERY changeable (hang around for 20 minutes and you'll know what I mean). Cairngorm is over 4,000 feet high, one of the higher munros, so if it's clear, you're in for some spectacular backdrops!Note that if you want to get to the summit of the mountain, you cannot do so by taking the funicular. This is to cut down on environmental damage from hoards of tourists. You'll need to get those boots out and hike up!

Road directions

A9 to Aviemore, then follow the signs to the ski centre or Loch Morlich. Follow the road to the end, and you're there.

Several car parks. The top car park is the best, as it's right at the Day Lodge/bottom station. It fills up early on skiing days though, but there is a shuttle bus between the Lodge and the other ones. All are signposted.

Best location is anywhere on the mountain side where you can see the line, as it's raised up. The bottom station is covered, so not the best. Trains enter the top station via a tunnel, so that's that out too!Middle station is just next to the passing loop, so is probably the best place to photograph. Sticking west of the station allows you to be higher up, as the ground slopes away a lot on the other side.Also, as you can see out the front and rear of the cars, this can be a good location too!

This shot demonstrates the fixed nature of the line, showing the cables running through gaps in the track. This cable hauls the cars along it's length, with the outer tracks supporting the double flanged wheels that guide the cars along the length of the line. The inner roller wheels merely supporting the car on it's journey.

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